CHP motorcycle officer’s condition upgraded to serious

Officer Michael Ericson (second from right, second row from bottom) is shown with fellow members of the North Sacramento CHP Motor Squad. Photo courtesy North Sacramento CHP

Officer Michael Ericson (second from right, second row from bottom) is shown with fellow members of the North Sacramento CHP Motor Squad. Photo courtesy North Sacramento CHP

The condition of a California Highway Patrol motorcycle officer has been upgraded nearly three weeks after authorities say a motorist intentionally backed into him with a stolen truck.

The CHP reported Tuesday that Officer Michael Ericson’s status has been changed from critical to serious.

Ericson, 47, a 17-year veteran of the CHP, was run over about 1 p.m. April 7 in the median of Interstate 80 near Madison Avenue in the Foothill Farms area. CHP officials say 28-year-old Austin Barry Scott backed the truck into the officer. Ericson was taken by helicopter to UC Davis Medical Center in critical condition.

Investigators said Scott’s truck was reported stolen in Reno. Authorities say that after striking Ericson, Scott drove west on I-80. He abandoned the truck in a construction zone on I-80 near Northgate Boulevard, authorities say, and stole a pickup truck belonging to a California Department of Transportation contractor. He then led authorities on a pursuit on I-80 into Solano County and was captured near Fairfield.

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Scott did not enter a plea during his first Sacramento Superior Court appearance April 11. Along with an attempted murder charge, he faces counts of driving under the influence of drugs, causing injury or death and auto theft. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 10.

Fellow CHP officers showed support for their colleague, Michael Ericson, and his family at Sacramento Superior Court on Monday at the arraignment of Austin Barry Scott. The Ericson family released this statement of gratitude, "Thank you to everyon

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Andy Williams, commander for North Sacramento CHP, details the assault on CHP motorcycle officer Michael Ericson. Williams thanked the community for its help in apprehending a suspect, Austin Scott, 28 of Reno, Nevada. Scott was arrested on suspic